It is the dream of any young performer. You take your first tentative steps on the stage in your hometown and quietly vow that one day you will return in a starring role.

It sounds like a fairytale doesn't it? But for one young actress this dream has now come true.

Maisie Humphries was just nine when she plaved one of the Seven Dwarves - at the first pantomime staged at the Rhodes Arts Complex since its refurbishment in 2005. It was the moment Maisie caught the acting bug and knew what she wanted to do – to be a performer.

Roll the clock forward 13 years, having finished her degree in Musical Theatre and Professional Dance at the world-renowned Urdang Academy in London, Maisie decided to audition for Beauty and the Beast at Rhodes Arts Complex.

It was as if it were meant to be that Maisie would land her first leading professional role performing on the very stage where it all started.

Now she is starring as Belle in the traditional family pantomime which runs at the Bishop's Stortford venue over the festive period.

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So I presume Maisie is excited?

Maisie Humphries was just nine when she caught the acting bug at the Rhodes Arts Complex

Yes - she's over the moon. She said: “One of the things I’m really looking forward to is performing in front of all the people who taught me and trained with me locally, those who have always supported and encouraged me to pursue my goals.

"I hope to make them proud of me with a sparkly performance!”

What do the producers think about Maisie?

The show's director and producer, Phil Dale, will be appearing as Madame Fromage while Tom Brace plays Merlin

Director and Producer, Phil Dale, said: “Belle is a very modern leading lady - she is quirky, but also has a sassy side which the audience will find out through the re-vamped show tunes and up to date choreography.

"She isn't just looking for a prince; she wants to experience adventures and all the places she reads about in the books she so loves.

"Maisie is just perfect for the role and having worked with her in the past when she was much younger it’s wonderful to see her successful progression in a very competitive industry. She will be a role model for local youngsters in more ways than one!”

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Who else is in the Beauty and the Beast?

Buck Braithwaite appears as the villainous Gaston accompanied by his love-smitten sidekick LeFou - played by Abbie Middleton-Evans

The production has been in development since January and comes from the same team that brought the record-breaking productions of Cinderella and Snow White to the Rhodes Arts Complex - Phoenix Theatre Arts.

The Beast - The 6’ 8” giant playing opposite Maisie as the Beast is Paul Daly. Paul has a number of productions under his belt having graduated from The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) in 2017. Previous credits include The Reluctant Dragon (Quantum Theatre); The Elves and the Toymaker (Pendle Productions); The Trial of Josef K (LIPA) and Mary Barton (LIPA).

Madame Fromage - The show's director and producer, Phil Dale, takes the role of the Dame. Expect plenty of cheesy jokes and some outrageous costumes when he's on stage.

Gaston - The self-centred villain is played by the dashing Buck Braithwaite. He has previously graced the Rhodes' stage as the Prince in both Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs (2017) and Cinderella (2016).

LeFou - Abbie Middleton-Evans returns after her star turn as Snow White last year to play Gaston's love-smitten sidekick LeFou.

Merlin - Professional magician and children’s favourite Tom Brace will be bringing some mysticism and magic to the mix as Merlin, the trainee wizard. Be prepared to be amazed with some of the tricks he performs on stage.

Belle's father - George Jack, a seasoned pantomime performer, will take on the role of her concerned dad.

When is Beauty and the Beast on?

Will Belle's father - played by George Jack - be able to help her escape from the castle in Beauty and the Beast at the Rhodes Arts Complex?

The production will run from Saturday December 8 through to Saturday January 5 taking in more shows than ever before. There will be a total of 53 performances, including 18 dedicated to school audiences, as well as a relaxed performance welcoming children with special needs (including Autistic Spectrum Conditions and/or learning disabilities) and their families.

Two 'Meet the Cast' shows are included in the programme where the audience will get to meet and take pictures with the cast after the show.

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How do I buy tickets?

Tickets start at £19 with family tickets available from £66. The box office is open Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm.